[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING WILLIAM AND DOROTHY ZEHNDER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 2006

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, on February 17, the Saginaw County 
Convention and Visitors Bureau will present its Pinnacle Award to 
William ``Tiny'' and Dorothy Zehnder for their remarkable contributions 
to the convention and tourist industry in Saginaw County. The Zehnder 
family has had a positive impact on Frankenmuth, Michigan, and changed 
the area forever. Theirs is one of the great American success stories, 
replete with foresight, courage, and hard work.
  In 1950, the Zehnder family purchased the Fischer Hotel, and William 
Zehnder became the manager. Dorothy Zehnder became the kitchen manager, 
a role she continues today. At that time, the Zehnder family had 21 
years of experience running their own restaurant across the street from 
the Fischer Hotel. After a series of improvements to the Fischer Hotel 
culminating in a major renovation in the late 1950s, the Fischer Hotel 
was renamed the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn. The decor and architecture of 
the Bavarian Inn started the transformation of Frankenmuth into 
``Michigan's Little Bavaria.'' The weeklong opening celebration held in 
1959 proved to be very popular and has turned into the annual 
Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival. The addition of the Glockenspiel and 
Wooden Bridge has enhanced the character of Frankenmuth's downtown 
area.
  Dorothy developed most of the recipes served in the restaurant. The 
restaurant can accommodate 1200 diners at one time, and annually over 
750,000 pounds of chicken is served to its guests. Dorothy plays a 
vital role in ensuring the food is prepared correctly and served 
promptly. Many local Frankenmuth leaders started their work life in the 
Bavarian Inn kitchen under Dorothy's tutelage. Today the Frankenmuth 
Bavarian Inn is one of the top ten family-owned restaurants in America.
  In addition to the restaurant, their holdings include Bavarian Inn 
Lodge, Frankenmuth River Place, Castle Shops, Freeway Fritz, 
Frankenmuth Motel, and several gift shops on Main Street. The Zehnders 
employ over 1,000 people and serve one million visitors each year 
making Frankenmuth a top tourist destination.
  Tiny Zehnder's vision for the Frankenmuth community has made it a 
great place for families to gather, live, and work. The Zehnders buy 
locally and utilize Michigan commodities. They are always looking for 
ways to improve their business and their community. They have passed on 
their skills and work ethic to their children. The Bavarian Inn 
enterprise is a multi-generational operation with their children and 
grandchildren managing and working in various capacities. Tiny and 
Dorothy Zehnder are an inspiration to everyone and excellent role 
models for our youth. I ask the House of Representatives to rise with 
me and applaud the outstanding success of the Zehnders and congratulate 
them as they are honored by the Saginaw community.

                          ____________________